Results from a new national study among 688 physicians revealed that over the past few weeks, doctors continue to be less concerned about the impact that the H1N1 swine flu will have on themselves and their families.

The study was conducted last night by HCD Research and the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion (MCIPO), as part of a series of studies which were conducted on April 27, and May 6, to obtain physicians' perceptions of the H1N1 virus. The studies are being conducted on a weekly basis to measure physicians' perceptions regarding their personal and professional concerns. To view detailed results go to: www.hcdi.net or www.mediacurves.com.

Results from the study on April 27, revealed that 21% of physicians reported that they were Concerned or Extremely Concerned, compared to this week's study, in which 9% of physicians indicated that they were Concerned or Extremely Concerned. Physicians also reported that there is less risk that the virus could result in a catastrophic pandemic.

There was a slight increase in the number of physicians who reported that they have not changed their behavior or life style, with 61% indicating they have not changed their behavior, compared to 56% in the May 6 study. When asked what top three sources they use to obtain information on H1N1 swine flu, government agency communications (79%) was rated number one, followed by the news media (73%) and medical associations (60%), similar to the previous study.

Among the findings:

Please indicate how you have changed your behavior or life style since becoming aware of the H1N1 swine flu. Check all that apply.

Week 2 Week 3
(5/6/09) (5/21/09)
Total Total

Decreased air travel 7% 6%
Decreased dining out 5% 4%
Avoid going to crowded events 13% 10%
Wash hands more frequently 40% 35%
Start wearing protective mask 4% 3%
Spend more time at home 6% 6%
Other changes of behaviors 2% 2%
None - I have not changed any of my
behavior or life style 56% 61%

Please indicate the level of risk that the H1N1 swine flu could result in a catastrophic pandemic. Use a scale from 1 to 7, where 1 indicates No Risk and 7 indicates Extremely High Risk.

Week 1 Week 2 Week 3
(4/27) (5/6/09) (5/21/09)

1 - No Risk 1% 2% 3%
2 - Low Risk 13% 27% 26%
Bottom 2 14% 30% 29%
3 - Somewhat Low Risk 14% 18% 17%
4 - Neither At Risk or
Not At Risk 9% 12% 14%
5 - Somewhat At Risk 49% 31% 33%
Top 2 14% 9% 8%
6 - High Risk 12% 7% 7%
7 - Extremely High Risk 2% 1% 1%
MEAN 4.4 3.7 3.7
(Neither) (Neutral) (Neutral)

Please indicate your level of concern regarding the degree of the impact that the H1N1 swine flu epidemic will have on you and your family. Use a scale from 1 to 7, where 1 indicates Not At All Concerned and 7 indicates Extremely Concerned.

Week 1 Week 2 Week 3
(4/27) (5/6/09) (5/21/09)

1 - Not At All Concerned 3% 6% 6%
2 - Not Concerned 12% 21% 22%
Bottom 2 15% 27% 28%
3 - Somewhat Not Concerned 11% 19% 19%
4 - Neutral 12% 13% 14%
5 - Somewhat Concerned 41% 31% 30%
Top 2 21% 10% 9%
6 - Concerned 18% 9% 8%
7 - Extremely Concerned 4% 1% 1%
MEAN 4.4 3.8 3.7
(Neutral) (Neutral) (Neutral)

SOURCE HCD Research

Medicine